Beyond the Sun

03

"I swear as the years have gone on, your general laziness has grown." Not exactly the words which Annie wished to be woken up to. Rolling over in bed she looked to the now open door, her father stood cross armed and frowning in at her.

"I'm a teenager, dad, we aren't exactly known for endless enthusiasm." Annie quipped back and got a few mumbled words in retort before she watched him walk off. Moments later the door slammed shut. She turned her head and looked to the clock on her bedside table. Her eyes widened slowly and she jumped out of bed. Crashing to the floor she scrambled about getting things together and finding clothes before rushing down the stairs, while cramming her books into her backpack.

Turning into the kitchen she looked around with wild wide eyes. Narrowing her gaze at a note on the fridge, she walked over and plucked it off. Turning it over she simply read: "Hello, Annie, have a good day at school. Packed lunch is in the fridge, see you later." She reread it several times before opening the fridge and shoving the chilled box that housed her lunch into the bag too before zipping it to a close.

With a heaved sigh, she grabbed an apple and ran for the door before the school bus left without her. This was her morning routine for the last five years. It could be safe to say that family life was not totally good for her. Not only had her father been laid off from his old construction job, but his new one meant he had to travel more to get to it. Her mother had to get a job too, just so they could keep food in the cupboards and bills could be paid. Honestly, Annie hardly saw her parents anymore. Her father seemed to wish to spend very little time with her. And her mother was always too tired to spend time with her. She was practically fending for herself most days, which was so enjoyable and what she wished to do, not.

Hearing the final honking of the bus horn, Annie darted forwards, slamming the front door as she went. She sped down the stairs and ran as if her life depended on it. It wouldn't be the first time she'd missed the bus and bunked off a day. To be honest, those days were quite frequent. Only because her attendance got slack, her parents ended up having to get called by the school; and thus, behind closed doors she was at the mercy of annoyed parents.

The ever faithful motherly concern had shown itself. "You're a smart girl, Annie. You could do brilliantly at school if you tried hard enough." Rebecca, ever the pushing optimist had said.

Simon was less optimistic and helpful. He'd usually just comment, "If you're going to ditch school. At least find something to do with the day." As in a hint to do some work around the house.

"Life sucks!" Annie shouted as she ran the final stretch to the bus. She clambered on and slouched her way along the aisle before basically collapsing in a seat.

"Late again," Annie lifted her head away from the seat and looked to the side where Clark sat trying hard not to smile. She narrowed her eyes at him, she was too out of breath to comment; so instead she lifted a hand and let out a quiet; "Meh," which of course got an odd look sent her way by him.

"Maths...maths so early in the morning is a crime..." Annie drifted off in thought, truthfully, she was trying to remember if she packed her maths homework. She leaned past Clark and looked out of the window, oh well, she thought, too late to go back now. Which was true, her house was in the distance now. She could barely see it. If she had forgotten it, she'd make up some pathetic lie.

"Yes, of course," Clark replied dryly while rolling his eyes. "As if," he said seconds later.

"But you're like...the smartest person I know."

"That doesn't mean I'm up for a lesson such as that first thing in the morning." Clark said with a smirk, totally taking the compliment with an awkward smile seconds later.